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      Meet Cole Palmer’s stunning nail artist girlfriend who joined the Chelsea star at the GQ Men of the Year event

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      COLE Palmer and his stunning girlfriend Connie Grace appear to be official.Palmer, 22, was first pictured holidaying in Ibiza with the blonde beauty in August.Meet Cole Palmer’s stunning girlfriend Connie GraceCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The pair were first spotted on a boat off the coast of IbizaCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie Grace shows off her enviable curves and amazing bikini bodyCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Palmer and Connie went public officially for the first at the GQ Men of the Year eventCredit: RexThe pair were all smiles as they relaxed on a boat and rode the waves on a paddleboard together for a summer getaway.And their romance has moved on somewhat since.They were snapped as he held his hand at the PFA Young Player of the Year award in September.Now, beautiful Connie has joined Palmer at the GQ Men of the Year event at the Kensington Roof Gardens – making it their first photographic debut at a specific public event.READ MORE ON WAGSShe dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.They were joined by Palmer’s mum, Marie at the bash in London.Who is the girl that stolen Palmer’s heart? Find out more below. Local girlShe is from Palmer’s home town of Manchester – where she works as a nail artist and manicurist.Most read in FootballThe stunner operates from a Stockport beauty salon, where a full set of acrylic nails in a plain colour would set you back a reasonable £35.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelOn Instagram. Connie is hugely popular. She has over 18,000 followers.And she loves to share photos of her travelling the world – from Bali to Dubai.Well traveledA quick glimpse through her social media shows she loves going overseas.Palmer clearly whisked her off her feet in August, when she took a private jet to Ibiza for their break.Then in September, she shared photos of a trip to Rome.While they have kept their romance private on Instagram, with the odd like shared by Palmer on some of her glam photos, Connie revealed herself as a true fan.She recently shared a photo sat in a box at Stamford Bridge.read more sport featuresShe is a nail artist and manicuristCredit: instagram @conniegrace_She has 18,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramConnie enjoyed getting close to PalmerCredit: instagram @conniegrace_She was seen smiling and riding a paddleboard with himCredit: InstagramConnie hails from Manchester like PalmerCredit: InstagramThe beauty is often seen on glam holidays on her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Most recently, Connie showed off her view at Stamford BridgeCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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      Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

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      RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

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      Big-hearted former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger sells signed shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos

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      FORMER Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is set to sell a signed match-worn Real Madrid shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos.The German, 31, is already the honorary sponsor of Berlin Zoo’s pygmy hippo, Toni.Antonio Rudiger has teamed up with Berlin Zoo to protect pygmy hipposCredit: NewsflashRudiger is auctioning off the Real Madrid shirt he wore in the win over Osasuna earlier this monthCredit: Berlin Zoo/NF/newsXBut now the centre-back has partnered with the zoo for an auction which will take place on the online platform Catawiki.Among the items on sale are hippo Toni’s first mini football and a life-sized sculpture of the zoo’s Indian rhinoceros, Betty.But perhaps the most eye-catching collectable on offer has been donated by Real Madrid star Rudiger.The two-time Champions League winner has signed the shirt he wore during Los Blancos’ 4-0 win over Osasuna earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll proceeds will go to the Pygmy Hippo Research Project in Sierra Leone’s Gola Rainforest National Park – which attempts to protect pygmy hippos in their natural habitat.As reported by Newsflash, Rudiger said: “The habitat of pygmy hippos in West Africa is under severe threat, and it would be truly heartbreaking if these unique animals were to disappear forever.”Little Toni and I are proud to be ambassadors, working together to protect this endangered species and its habitat.”The auction supporting the conservation project in Sierra Leone is a great opportunity to actively contribute and help ensure the survival of pygmy hippos and many other species.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That’s why I hope as many people as possible will join this initiative.”It is the latest in a long line of Rudiger’s charitable endeavours.The ex-Chelsea man, whose parents were born in Sierra Leone, flew back to the West African country in 2022 to unveil The Antonio Rudiger Foundation.Also in 2022, the German donated the money he earned from playing in the World Cup to pay for 11 childrens’ life-changing surgeries.Rudiger spent five years at Chelsea where he played 203 games, winning the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022 and has already won a LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, Club World Cup and two Uefa Super Cups. More

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      Chelsea coach QUITS after 18 years at club to join Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up

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      HENRIQUE HILARIO is set to end 18 years with Chelsea by leaving to join Thomas Tuchel at England.The goalkeeper signed for the Blues in 2006 as third-choice behind Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini.Henrique Hilario will leave as Chelsea goalkeeping coach to join EnglandCredit: GettyHilario provided back-up for Chelsea stoppersCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd he spent almost a decade providing back-up before retiring in 2014 having been part of Premier League and Champions League-winning sides.Two years after hanging up his gloves, Hilario returned to Chelsea under Antonio Conte as assistant goalkeeping coach. He was then promoted two years later by Maurizio Sarri and remained in that role – under Tuchel too. But the German manager – who succeeds Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss – will take Hilario with him to Wembley. READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport revealed in November how Tuchel plotted a swoop for his former keeping coach.The FA officially announced the out-of-work German as Gareth Southgate’s successor in October.But he won’t take charge of the Three Lions – who he’s signed an 18-month deal with – until January 1.Tuchel, 51, is using the time off to get his backroom team in place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe’s also convinced Chelsea’s current performance analyst James Melbourne to join him.Hilario and Melbourne will be welcomed by a familiar face in former Blues coach Anthony Barry, who Tuchel has installed as his No2.’Why should a player have to be from a country and not the manager’ says Wenger as he questions Tuchel as England boss More

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      ‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awards

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      COLE PALMER had fans in stitches as he quickly shut down Amelia Dimoldenberg in a cheeky interview.The pair met on the red carpet at GQ’s Men of the Year awards.Cole Palmer and Amelia Dimoldenberg had an interesting exchange on the red carpetCredit: X @BritishGQPalmer had a cheeky retort for one tricky questionCredit: X @BritishGQAnd Palmer put his interviewer on the spot with some clever retorts, comfortably dealing with Amelia’s trademark awkward style.He was asked a string of questions from his potential to be a pundit to whether he would rather score an own goal or be substituted in the first half.Palmer, 22, manoeuvred each question with composure before turning things back around on Amelia, after she asked whether he would score a bicycle kick or a goal from his own half.The Chelsea star replied saying: “It’s tough I don’t know. I feel a bicycle kick is harder.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmelia interjected, saying: “I could probably do both.””You couldn’t”, Palmer hit back immediately, before adding: “I can’t really do a bicycle kick though.”Fans loved the reaction with some suggesting it is another example of ‘Cold Palmer’ in action.One fan said: “You couldn’t”🧊🥶”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Haha classic Cole Palmer response 🤣”A third wrote: “Did cole palmer kinda keep up with Amelia… whaaat.”Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ More

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      Cole Palmer makes first public appearance with girlfriend at GQ Men of the Year… and brings his MUM along too

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      COLE PALMER charmed the red carpet with his choice of two extra special companions at a glamorous GQ Men of the Year event.The England winger and his girlfriend – fellow Mancunian Connie Grace – made their first public appearance together.Cole Palmer and girlfriend Connie Grace looked ultra elegant togetherCredit: RexCole was also with mum Marie at the big do in LondonCredit: RexConnie reportedly met Palmer in their native Manchester but it was on holiday in Ibiza back in August where they were spotted outCredit: InstagramPalmer has joked he ‘just wears trackies’ away from the cameraCredit: GettyPalmer and Kobbie Mainoo made the front cover of GQCredit: Dan Martensen / GQAnd Palmer’s mum Marie was also alongside the Chelsea hero at the Kensington Roof Gardens bash in London.The two main women in the life of the ex-Manchester City starlet were snapped next to him separately – but with equal elegance.Palmer himself went for the timeless look of black tuxedo and bowtie.Connie, a nail artist, opted for a daring cut-out dress in the same colour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn tandem, that meant a partnership as stylish as they come – in fashion or in football.Meanwhile, Marie wore a shimmering black dress and carried a matching clutch-bag on an occasion that underlined the great value Palmer places on his family.The 22-year-old credits dad Jermaine for teaching him all he knows about football, claiming: “He was Pep before I met Pep [Man City boss Guardiola].”Cole’s elder sister Hallie completes the happy unit.Most read in FootballThe nail artist is now in a relationship with PalmerCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie was on a holiday with him three months agoCredit: instagram @conniegrace_FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThree Lions’ pal Kobbie Mainoo was also at the London night-out – after he and Palmer adorned the cover of GQ’s magazine’s Men of the Year edition for December.Mainoo’s garb was brasher – a loose-fitting, leather-look suit and white T-shirt.Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford BridgeBut in their GQ interview each was dressed in an array of spectacular outfits for the accompanying interview.However, it was in that chat when Palmer joked “I just wear trackies” – when away from the spotlight.Tuesday evening is not the first time he’s posed in public with Connie.They were snapped as he held his PFA Young Player of the year award in September.But the GQ do is their photographic debut together at a specific public event.Palmer and Connie were initially spotted in August – during an Ibiza holiday.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he might have had a little downtime over the past week too – as one of nine players to drop out of the England squad due to fitness issues.But apart from taking in a Wrexham game, Palmer was spotted at a McDonald’s Drive Thru – suggesting his taste in food is just as casual as his ‘trackie’ taste in clothes!Palmer was joined by Usain Bolt at the eventCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo was another big name at the London eventCredit: RexMainoo looked to be loving his cool outfitCredit: Rex More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

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      Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

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      PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More